April 2026 Service Bulletin
ANNOUCEMENTS
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The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) and Missouri Partnership hosted a webinar series highlighting property marketing tools available to Missouri’s regional, county, and local economic development organizations. The series will feature dedicated sessions on LOIS Property.
Marketing System, Lasso Site Selection Software, and the newly integrated Lightcast Workforce Data within LOIS. The goal is to increase community visibility, support local economic development efforts, and help attract and retain businesses. Participation in LOIS is not required to use Lasso, but organizations are encouraged to attend all trainings to better understand and maximize both systems.
LOIS markets sites and buildings on economic development organization websites to connect with site selectors and companies evaluating locations. The training will demonstrate best practices for integrating the LOIS map viewer into local websites and highlight the new Lightcast workforce data integration to support site selection decisions.
Lightcast Workforce Data, now available within LOIS, provides detailed Annual Average Wages and Employment Counts by occupation and industry through interactive heat maps and drive-time analyses. Reports can be exported in Excel or PDF formats.
Lasso is a digital Request for Information (RFI) platform that allows global companies and site selectors to collect standardized property data from communities. It streamlines the site selection process by organizing property information, recalling data for future RFIs, and accelerating proposal submissions.
LOIS and Lightcast Workforce Tool Training webinars dates and registration information can be found by visiting CLICKING HERE
If you are in need of assistance inputting data into the LOIS, please contact the Pioneer Trails office to discuss how we can help in your efforts.
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What’s New Under Opportunity Zones 2.0
Congress updated the program through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in 2025, making it a permanent feature of the U.S. tax code requiring that OZs be redesignated every 10 years as eligibility data is updated and adding new benefits for rural and long-term investments.
- Rolling Five-Year Deferral Window: Investors can now roll capital gains into QOFs at any time. Each investment receives its own five-year deferral period, replacing the previous fixed deadline system.
- Enhanced Rural Benefits: A new category of Qualified Rural Opportunity Funds (QROFs) triples the step-up benefit, providing a 30% basis increase after five years for investments in qualifying rural zones. Defines a “rural area” as any area other than:
- A city or town with a population of greater than 50,000 and
- An urbanized area adjacent to a city or town with a population in excess of 50,000
Additionally, rural projects now only need to meet a 50% substantial-improvement test instead of the full 100% requirement, allowing more flexible project rehabilitation (The 50% rule is already in effect). Qualified Opportunity Zones designated under the original program remain designated through December 31, 2028. Under the Opportunity Zones 2.0 framework, new designations are expected to take effect January 1, 2027, resulting in a two-year overlap (2027–2028).
Census Tracts Eligible for Opportunity Zone Nomination 2026 Map
An introduction to Opportunity Zones 2.0 webinar recording can be found by visiting Opportunity Zones | Department of Economic Development and slides may be downloaded by clicking this link.
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As the 2026 Missouri Legislative Session begins, information on select bills being tracked on behalf of Missouri Regional Planning Commission members through the Missouri Association of Councils of Government (MACOG) is available by clicking here. This resource will be updated throughout the session to reflect legislation of interest.
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MoDOT has released a new interactive High-Priority Unfunded Needs Dashboard, offering a transparent look at transportation projects across Missouri that have been identified as critical but currently lack funding. The dashboard is available at https://mapsonline.modot.mo.gov/portal/apps/dashboards/0c8d4659d1934c75ba1ed15bb13e2574 and reflects needs identified through the statewide transportation planning process, which actively incorporates input from local governments, community members, and key stakeholders. This collaborative, bottom-up approach ensures that priorities are shaped by those who know their communities best. To learn more about how the Pioneer Trails Regional Planning Commission coordinates and supports this planning framework, and helps elevate locally driven projects through grassroots engagement, please contact our office.
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As a reminder, SAM.gov accounts will expire after one year (365 days) from the date of federal approval for inactivity. To prevent any disruption when applying for grant opportunities, users are encouraged to remain proactive in maintaining their account status. It is recommended that you log in at least once every six months to keep your account active, or at minimum, sign in within 30 days before your account’s expiration date to avoid any last-minute delays or complications. Keeping your SAM.gov registration active ensures continued eligibility and a smooth process when pursuing federal funding opportunities.
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PTRPC SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS
Regional Planning Commission Member Benefits and Services
PTRPC supports a wide range of initiatives, including comprehensive planning, economic development, infrastructure projects, and transportation issues. Our services include marketing data research, identifying funding opportunities, and coordinating with various agencies on projects like water supply, stormwater improvements, and sewage treatment. We also assist with park and recreational planning, health and land use needs, and the preparation of grant applications for capital improvements. With extensive experience, PTRPC helps county and municipal governments improve their communities through tailored planning and administrative support. A list of member benefits and services provided by Pioneer Trails Regional Planning Commission can be found by visiting the Pioneer Trails RPC website.
Community Compliance Program
Pioneer Trails Regional Planning Commission is pleased to announce the addition of a new service to support our member communities: ordinance code enforcement. This service is being developed in direct response to growing interest from municipalities seeking assistance in maintaining safe, healthy, and well-regulated neighborhoods.
Beginning in July 2026, PTRPC will offer code enforcement services designed to help municipalities effectively implement and uphold local ordinances related to property maintenance, public safety, and nuisance abatement. By offering this service regionally, PTRPC aims to provide consistent enforcement, reduce administrative burden on local governments, and enhance overall community standards.
Municipalities interested in learning more or exploring how this service could benefit their community are encouraged to contact us for additional information.
GIS and Mapping System Administration & Management
Pioneer Trails RPC is proud to announce the addition of GIS system administration & management to the list of services offered to PTRPC member communities. This new service aims to assist and support communities with the creation to visualization, analyze, and interpret data to understand relationships, patterns, and trends. These insights can be leveraged to help make better decisions and add additional value to current programs and projects for its citizens, staff and elected officials.
For more information and to learn more about this service, or any other mapping and zoning needs please contact: Nathan Cooley, Nathan@trailsrpc.org
Traffic Counter and Analysis
Is speeding a concern in your area? Portable and discreet radar units can be deployed in your city to get an accurate traffic count, record speeds and determine peak traffic flow conditions to optimize patrols. For more information and to learn more about this service please contact: Eldon Preston, Eldon@trailsrpc.org
Environmental Review and Planning
In addition to grant development and administration Pioneer Trails RPC specializes in environmental reviews that comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which is required to receive any federal funding. For more information and to learn more about this service please contact: Janet Luetjen, Janet@trailsrpc.org
Large Format Scanning and Digitization
Staff can assist in digitizing and archiving large maps and documents using our large format scanner, or reproduce blueprints, maps and planning documents with a large format printer. For more information and to learn more about this service please contact: Nathan Cooley, Nathan@trailsrpc.org
Upcoming Meeting, Conferences & Training Events
Pioneer Trails RPC Board of Directors Regular Meeting
May 27, 2026, 10:00 am - Meeting will be held at the Concordia Community Center, Room 203. For meeting details and to RSVP, please contact Eldon Preston at Eldon@trailsrpc.org
Additional Dates can be found by visiting www.trailsrpc.org
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Monthly Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Meeting
June 10, 2026, 9:30 am. - Please contact Janet Luetjen for additional information and a meeting link at Janet@trailsrpc.org
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PTRPC Transportation Advisory Council (TAC)
July 16, 2026, 6:15 pm.– Meeting will be held in-person at the Concordia Community Center, 802 S Gordon St. Room 203, Concordia, MO. Please RSVP with Eldon by emailing him at Eldon@trailsrpc.org or calling the office by noon, July 14, 2026. Additional meetings dates and program details can be found on the Pioneer Trails RPC website.
Additional Dates can be found by visiting www.trailsrpc.org
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Regional Homeland Security Oversight Committee (RHSOC) –
July 28, 2026, 9:30 am. - Meeting will be held in-person with a virtual option available at the Community Center, 802 Gordon St. Room 203, Concordia, MO. Please RSVP with Chris@trailsrpc.org. Additional meetings dates and program details can be found on the Pioneer Trails RPC website.
Backup date has been scheduled for August 25, 2026
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State Fair Community College LearningForce Spring 2026 Workforce Training
SFCC is excited to offer workforce training to individuals and companies ranging from the Essentials of Facility Management to mastering Microsoft Excel. For a full list of trainings, registration details and training dates, please visit the SFCC website by clicking here.
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Upcoming & Open Grant & Funding Resources
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Community Development Block Grant: Competitive Cycle
Grant cycle is OPEN. Applications will be accepted from May 4th to July 31, 2026. Please contact the Pioneer Trails Office if your community is interested in receiving additional information, or contact the CDBG office at mocdbg@ded.mo.gov.
This grant allows communities to apply for improvements to nearly any publicly-owned facility or infrastructure, as well as the clearance of vacant, dilapidated buildings.
Programs included:
Community Facilities
This program helps Missouri communities construct facilities that will serve a large portion of the public with a variety of services. With education and health/well-being programs taking priority, communities can utilize this program to construct senior centers, day care centers, rural health clinics, telecommunications, and 911 services, among others.
General Infrastructure
This program helps Missouri communities strengthen its local economy by improving local public infrastructure, streets, drainage, and bridges. Reliable and sustainable infrastructure helps support the business community as well as residents.
Demolition
These grants help Missouri communities with demolition of vacant, dilapidated structures (primarily residential) in blighted areas and that present safety hazards.
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West Central Missouri Solid Waste Management Grant
The West Central Missouri Solid Waste Management District F (District F) is now accepting grant applications for projects that reduce, reuse, recycle, or compost solid waste in Johnson, Lafayette, Morgan, Pettis & Saline counties.
Grant applications are available at moswmd-f.com. For assistance please call: (660) 619-3652.
APPLICATIONS ARE DUE: THURSDAY, MAY 28TH, 2026 BY 3:00 PM.
Submit via email: moswmd.f@gmail.com, or by mail: District F, 2140 Bagnell Dam Blvd. Suite 302B, Lake Ozark, Mo. 65049. Late applications will not be accepted.
Funding is provided in part by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. District F is an equal opportunity, nondiscriminatory organization.
GRANT APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE HERE.
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Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) (FY24-25)
Through this funding opportunity, FEMA is making $1 billion in federal funding available to states, local governments, territories and Tribal Nations, empowering them to take decisive, proactive steps to protect their communities from potential disasters like fires, floods, earthquakes and hurricanes. This investment will generate jobs, protect private property, strengthen infrastructure, reduce the cost of future disasters and—most importantly—save lives. The new BRIC program prioritizes infrastructure resilience by funding construction projects that are already implementing and incentivizing the adoption of the latest hazard-resistant building codes and eliminating phased projects.
Interested applicants and subapplicants may review the Notice of Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov. For more information on the BRIC program, applicants should contact their FEMA Regional Office or visit www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/learn/building-resilient-infrastructure-communities.
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BRIC FY2024-2025 Deadlines |
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NOI Due Date to SEMA |
Application Due to SEMA |
FINAL Due to SEMA |
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April 24, 2026 |
June 1, 2026 |
July 1, 2026 |
The BRIC Notice of Interest (NOI) can be found by visiting Mitigation Management | SEMA.
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Off-System Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation (BRO)
Anticipated Call for Projects: TBD
Federal funds are available to finance up to 80% of the eligible project cost, the remaining 20% must be financed using the LPAs local match funds. However, if an LPA replaces or rehabilitates an eligible bridge not on the federal aid system, utilizing their own local funds, they may receive a credit which can be applied to the local match portion of another federal aid bridge project; called a Soft Match Credit. More details for soft match credit are included in EPG 136.3.10 Bridge Soft Match Credit.
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Defense Community Infrastructure Program
The Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation has released a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Community Infrastructure Program competition on Grants.gov here. Proposals must be submitted no later than June 25, 2026, at 5pm PDT.
Resources
Notice of Funding Opportunity
- Frequently Asked Questions - Forthcoming on oldcc.gov
- Proposal Resource Guide - Forthcoming on oldcc.gov
Informational Webinars
The Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation will host two informational webinars for interested proposers to highlight proposal requirements, goals and objective, changes to the program since Fiscal Year 2025, and answer questions from interested respondents. The link for the webinars are available on oldcc.gov the day of the event.
For information on SAM and grants.gov registration, please see the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation Grantee Guide
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Community Empowerment Service Grant
Missouri Main Street Connection (MMSC) offers a Community Empowerment Grant program to help communities start a Main Street program and begin building a successful downtown with new investment, businesses, residents, and events celebrating all that makes a downtown the heart of the community.
This Community Empowerment Grant program provides two years of hands-on training and provides “over the shoulder” guidance and encouragement to help build a strong foundation for long-lasting economic vitality for downtown.
Missouri Main Street Connection’s (MMSC) first round of Community Empowerment Grants (CEG) opens June 10, 2026. The CEG Workshop will be held on Wednesday, June 10 in Jefferson City from 10:00 until 12 noon with a Lunch & Learn following from 12noon until 1:00. Through the workshop, stakeholders will learn about the time-tested Main Street principles for downtown revitalization and the 70/30 Matching Service Grant. This is an opportunity to invite your community and public officials to learn more about the service grant opportunity for your community.
The Workshop is free and the Lunch & Learn is $15 to cover the cost of the lunch. This service grant provides services that assist in the establishment of a locally led 501c3 nonprofit Main Street organization to lead volunteers in implementing downtown revitalization through the Four Points of the Main Street Approach in your historic commercial district.
If you have attended in the past this is a great opportunity for a refresher and to invite others to learn more about Missouri Main Street and how we can help you revitalize the heart of your community which in turn helps to strengthen the economic base of the entire community. I have attached the CEG Workshop flyer to this email. You may also go directly to the MMSC website to register: https://momainstreet.org/community-empowerment-grant-workshop-2026/
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Rural Business Development Grant Program
The purpose of the program is to promote economic development and job creation projects through the awarding of grant funds to eligible entities. Applications will compete in two separate categories, business opportunity grants and business enterprise grants, for use in funding various business and community projects that serve rural areas. For profit entities, individuals and individual businesses are not eligible to receive grants under this program.
The notice of funding can be found by clicking here.
For additional information please contact RBDG at Rachel.Reister@usda.gov, or contact the PTRPC office for grant writing assistance.
Gant closes June 30, 2026
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For up-to-date information on upcoming, open, and ongoing grants and funding opportunities, visit the Pioneer Trails Regional Planning Commission website or contact our office. The site provides detailed listings of available grants, eligibility requirements, grant uses, and deadlines to help businesses, and organizations access the financial support they need for various projects and initiatives. Be sure to regularly check for new updates and resources.